Sony vs Kevin Butler: actor sued for breach of contract

Sony has filed suit against Jerry Lambert, the actor who plays fictional PlayStation executive Kevin Butler in a series of popular ads campaigns.

As spotted by Neogaf users, Sony is suing both Wildcat Creek Inc, a company owned by Lambert, and Bridgestone, in whose ads Lambert has appeared in a quite Kevin Butler-like role.

In a statement given to VentureBeat, Sony claimed Lambert is in breach of contract.

“Sony Computer Entertainment America filed a lawsuit against Bridgestone and Wildcat Creek, Inc. on September 11. The claims are based on violations of the Lanham Act, misappropriation, breach of contract and tortious interference with a contractual relationship. We invested significant resources in bringing the Kevin Butler character to life and he’s become an iconic personality directly associated with PlayStation products over the years. Use of the Kevin Butler character to sell products other than those from PlayStation misappropriates Sony’s intellectual property, creates confusion in the market, and causes damage to Sony.”

Lambert has appeared in a number of online and TV ads for the PlayStation brand, including the It Only Does Everything and Long Live Play campaigns. He’s also appeared live on stage at E3 and is regularly spotted roaming the social media wilds. A recent run of Bridgestone ads have featured Lambert in a role displaying similarly distinctive mannerisms and attitudes; some have been edited in the wake of Sony’s legal pursuit.